A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harlen family of England.
Reg. 7012 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. three crescents ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Harlen Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Harlen arms are recorded
The Harlen arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Harlen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Harlen Family in England
The surname Harlen is rooted in the northern regions of England, with historical records confirming that members of the family were well-established in the city of York by 1620. The name is generally considered a variation of the Old English term for a hare, which suggests that early ancestors may have been known for their speed or agility in the field. During the early seventeenth century, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families like the Harlens to grow and integrate into the local community. As the family put down roots in this historic city, they contributed to the local economy and social fabric of the region. Over time, the name evolved in spelling as it was passed down through generations, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in northern England during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hara
Old English term for a hare or a gray-colored animal.
This name
HarlenDerived from a place name meaning the land or meadow of the hares.
also spelled
Harlin
Harlyn
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
